Bluesky's Moment, Crony Capitalism, and Guest Julie Scelfo of MAMA
Pivot
Deep Dive
Why is BlueSky experiencing rapid growth?
BlueSky is growing rapidly due to its fun and engaging user experience, replicating the news-forward atmosphere of old Twitter without the toxicity. It attracts a diverse user base, including many journalists and influencers, and offers a more decentralized and less echo chamber-like environment compared to competitors like Threads.
Why did Julie Scelfo start Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA)?
Julie Scelfo started MAMA after witnessing the alarming rise in youth mental health issues, including suicide, which became the number two cause of death for 10-year-olds in the U.S. She aimed to create a grassroots movement to protect kids from smartphone and social media addiction and to keep them safe online.
What are the key issues with the Kids Online Safety Act (COSA)?
COSA has bipartisan support but faces opposition from tech lobbyists who spread misinformation, claiming it will censor conservative voices or put LGBTQ lives at risk. The act aims to ensure safer online experiences for children through default privacy settings and transparency in app ratings.
Why is competition beneficial for social media platforms?
Competition encourages social media platforms to implement better safety rules and features to attract users. It can lead to more responsible content moderation and healthier online environments, as platforms strive to differentiate themselves by prioritizing user well-being.
What is the significance of Scott Besant's nomination as Treasury Secretary?
Scott Besant's nomination is significant because he is a qualified and forward-looking candidate who understands the markets and new technologies. His appointment signals a focus on economic competence over political loyalty, which is crucial for running the economy effectively.
How does Julie Scelfo suggest parents can protect their children from online dangers?
Julie Scelfo suggests parents educate themselves and their children about the risks of social media, advocate for safer devices and apps, and support legislation like COSA. She also recommends getting involved with grassroots movements like MAMA to amplify parental voices in policy discussions.
Why is the Department of Education considered an important investment?
The Department of Education is considered an important investment because it provides critical support for public education, which is essential for the development of a skilled workforce and a well-informed citizenry. It has a significant impact on the nation's economic and social well-being.
What is the financial outlook for BlueSky?
BlueSky has raised $15 million in Series A funding and is attracting interest for a new investment round. The platform's growth potential and the resilience of media spending make it a promising investment, with predictions of a new funding round at over a billion dollars in the next 90 days.
Why is the rise of BlueSky seen as a threat by Meta?
The rise of BlueSky is seen as a threat by Meta because it is attracting users and influencers who prefer a more news-forward and less toxic environment. This shift in user preference could lead to a decline in Meta's user base and engagement on platforms like Threads.
What are the benefits of male friendship in midlife?
Midlife male friendship offers a supportive and rewarding environment for men to reconnect, share experiences, and celebrate each other's successes. It provides an opportunity to build deeper, more meaningful relationships without the competitive pressures of earlier life stages.
- Blue Sky has grown from 13 million to 23 million users in just two weeks.
- Threads has introduced new features to compete with Blue Sky's capabilities.
- Blue Sky's appeal lies in its news-forward approach and the absence of toxic content.
Shownotes Transcript